Newbie Just got 89 fj 62

[fj62cruz]

Hello all, just picked up 89 fj62 today. She seems slugish but the guys we bout it from says they all run slow. One thing that concerns me more tho is the looseness of the frontend. When i shake both front tires i can feel some play. Not being very familiar with the setup i was just wondering what usually wears out, its got 150000 miles. If someone could give me a brief summary of things to look for and what usually needs replacement that would be wonderful. Got it for $3,300 so it was fairly reasonable.
thanks

zach

 

[bumfj60]

congrats, do you have any pics to post?

 

[zcruiser]

Bunch of stuff in this post by lovetoski, look for info on drag link ends.

Look for post #2 by sebo4wd in this thread, I think it could help, too.

Search is your friend.....

 

[schaats]

I want to recommand checking and adjusting of front wheel bearing free play with big 54mm socket.

Oh, Min Seok

 

[Andew]

The only quick 60's are ones with engine transplants!

As with all vehicles, things wear out and the front end has a lot of things that'll be worn - each one adding their influence and combined they can make things seem really out of sorts.

If you're only getting play when 'shaking' a wheel with one hand on the top and the other on the bottom of the tyre then it's most likely a loose or stuffed wheel bearing.

If it's general play in the steering then I'd check all the ball joints, wheel bearings, suspension bushes and u-bolts, the steering damper and get a wheel alignment and balance done.

It's a fairly cheap investment to replace all the ball joint and bushes and put in a new steering damper (I use Old Man Emu) to replace the original. And while you're at it overhaul the rear suspension as well.

Spray your leaf springs liberally with CRC or similar and if you don't replace the bushes make sure you grease them well and plan to replace them early on complete with greaseable pins - it'll save you having to take them apart to grease them.

Check the bushes on the swaybars as well and replace all the bushes with Nolathane or similar - it'll tighten up your ride more than using the original rubber bushes.

And don't forget to replace all the driveline fluids - cheap insurance for a new owner.

Get a workshop manual - you'll save yourself plenty of dollars

Have fun
Andrew

 

[Texx]

Lots of tricks to perk up your sixty two's performance...mine's quite peppy er, better than average at least! Check archives, many posts on the subject.